used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PAYING OFF A GRUDGE.
addictedadjectiveUS /əˈdɪktɪd/
compulsively or physiologically dependent on something habit-forming
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
allusionnounUS /əˈluːʒən/
passing reference or indirect mention
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
for the most part
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
DavenportnounUS /ˈdævənpɔːrt/
a city in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River across from Moline and Rock Island
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
fondnessnounUS /ˈfɑːndnəs/
a predisposition to like something
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
freshnessnounUS /ˈfreʃnəs/
the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
GRUDGEnounUS /ɡrʌdʒ/
a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
From this reading PAYING OFF A GRUDGE.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
honestlyadverbUS /ˈɑːnəstli/
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
indebtedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdetɪd/
owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
and nothing more
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
melodiesnounUS /ˈmelədiz/
plural of “melody” — a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading PAYING OFF A GRUDGE.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading PAYING OFF A GRUDGE.
playmatesnounUS /ˈpleɪmeɪts/
plural of “playmate” — a companion at play
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
quantitynounUS /ˈkwɑːntəti/
how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
on the contrary
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
express in words
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
an educational institution
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
sportivelyadverb
in a merry sportive manner
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was to this circumstance--the quality of his whistling, rather than the quantity--that he was chiefly indebted for the name of Whistler.
threadbareadjectiveUS /ˈθredber/
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
precisely as stated
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading And I may as well say here, that he was a very good whistler, and came honestly by the title by which he was distinguished among his fellows.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
WhistlernounUS /ˈwɪslər/
United States painter (1834-1903)
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading His quick ear caught all the new and popular melodies of the day, before they became threadbare, which gave his whistling an air of freshness and novelty that few could rival.
Willie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The morning after the events just related, as Ralph was on his way to school, he fell in with Willie Davenport, or "Whistler," as he was often sportively called, by his playmates, in allusion to his fondness for a species of music to which most boys are more or less addicted.
